SUPPORTING THE COLLEGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19474, 2 November 1926, Page 8

SUPPORTING THE COLLEGE.

The action taken by the District Court of Convocation to strengthen the funds of the University College deserves the support of every graduate on the Auckland roll. To have opened the new college premises free of debt is an achievement highly satisfactory to all concerned ; but with the growth of accommodation must almost inevitably come a need for a larger maintenance fund than the accession of full-time students can be expected to meet. There is a risk that the usefulness of the institution may be hampered by Lack of an assured revenue. Whatever may be done in the way of a general appeal for local contributions, it is. reasonable to expect that graduates who have profited by the work of the college will readily respond to the appeal of what is, in effect, their own executive body. It is true that they gained their degrees without the pleasant and convenient facilities now provided for their successors; but they are more likely to be influenced by a wholesome pride in their alma mater than by any regret that they were denied advantages others now enjoy. The suggestion that their contributions should be ear-marked for a special purpose, such as a bursary, is unexcejjtionable, for it can be given effect without detriment to the general funds of the college. If care be taken in drawing up the conditions attaching to the expenditure of the special fund so raised, it should do not a little to lighten the council's financial responsibility.